A WOMAN was assaulted and robbed during an early morning mugging in Edinburgh.
The 27-year-old was walking along Mansfield Place in the Bellevue area of the city when she was approached from behind by a male attacker.
She was grabbed around the neck and punched in the face, before the man made off towards Belleview Place with her bag, which contained a small amount of cash and some personal items.
A passer-by who was out jogging when the incident happened at around 6.20am today (Fri) tried to come to the woman’s aid but he too was assaulted.
The man is described as being in his early twenties and around 5ft 8ins tall with a slight to medium build.
He was wearing shiny black Adidas tracksuit top and dark bottoms, and had short curly blonde hair.
Police are appealing for anyone who noticed anything suspicious, or recognise the description of the man, to come forward.
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: “We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident especially as the suspect had been seen loitering near the roundabout at East London Street just prior to the incident.
“We are also aware that a bus may have stopped and rendered assistance to the victim.
“This was a totally unprovoked and violent attack on a young female simply walking to her work and there was no necessity for the level of violence used.”
Anyone with information should contact the police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence 0800 555 111.
